A Purpose Taking Shape
The Barbados Fisheries Division takes pride in recognising the achievements and continued growth of our very own Makayla Williams. Her journey reflects an ongoing commitment to using the law to protect our marine resources and strengthen fisheries governance. Through her work at the Division, Makayla has helped make fisheries legislation more accessible and meaningful to fisherfolk and the wider Barbadian public by bridging the gap between legal principles and everyday practice. As she prepares to pursue advanced studies in International Maritime Law at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI), we celebrate a milestone that extends beyond personal achievement. Her next chapter represents an opportunity to build the expertise needed to contribute to Barbados’ fisheries sector and the protection of our shared marine environment for years to come.
Where Law Meets the Sea
Makayla Williams’ journey into maritime and environmental law has been shaped by a deliberate commitment to legal education and the protection of our natural resources. A Barbadian Attorney-at-Law, her academic journey began at Queen’s College, followed by a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) in 2022 and graduation from Hugh Wooding Law School in May 2024. She was called to the Bar in Barbados in October of that year. Then in 2026, she furthered her specialisation by pursuing a Master of Laws in Legislative Drafting at The University of the West Indies. This academic foundation found practical expression in her role as Legal Consultant to the Barbados Fisheries Division. She brought her legal training into a sector that is central to our nation’s economy, culture and environmental sustainability. For the Division, her journey represents the value of developing specialized expertise to support the future of Barbados’ fisheries industry.
A Shared Responsibility to the Sea
As Legal Consultant to the Barbados Fisheries Division, a key part of her role involved coordinating educational initiatives to help the fisherfolk community and the general public to understand the laws governing the sector. A notable initiative was the Fisheries Division Mock Trial Simulation held in August of 2025 at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill Campus. Makayla spearheaded the exercise and brought the fisheries legislation to life through a simulated court proceeding with participation from the Fisheries Division, Marine Police, real fisherfolk and legal professionals with Magistrate Angela Knight overseeing the proceedings. The simulation explored dolphin fish size limits, fisheries offences, evidence gathering and the consequences of non-compliance. The initiative demonstrated Makayla’s commitment to making legislation accessible and meaningful. Connecting legal principles with the everyday realities of Barbados’ fishing industry.
Makayla participated in the Euro–Latin America and Caribbean Cooperation in Governing Climate and Biodiversity and Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Presenting under the panel Multilateralism, Environmental Laws and the Protection of Biodiversity. She delivered a research paper titled “Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing in the Caribbean Region: A Shared Responsibility of States.”. Her participation represented an important extension of her work in Barbados bringing a Caribbean perspective to international discussions on marine governance and environmental protection.
Makayla’s commitment to public education will also be seen in the Division’s podcast’s pilot episode which is scheduled for release in November 2026. From helping stakeholders understand Barbados’ fisheries legislation to contributing research on shared regional challenges, Makayla’s work reflects a growing commitment to ensuring that Caribbean expertise has a place in shaping the future of international marine and environmental protection.
Charting a Course for International Maritime Law
Makayla’s experiences in fisheries governance, public legal education and international environmental research has helped shape a clear professional vision. Her pursuit of an LL.M. in International Maritime Law at the IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) represents a natural progression, allowing her to deepen her understanding of the international legal frameworks that govern our oceans and the responsibilities of maritime nations. This opportunity will further equip her to contribute to regional discussions on marine protection, strengthen Caribbean representation in international legal spaces and bring valuable expertise back to the development of Barbados’ fisheries sector.
As Makayla embarks on this next chapter, we celebrate not only her accomplishments but the purpose that continues to guide her. We look forward to seeing her carry her knowledge, experience and Barbadian perspective onto the international stage, contributing to a future where our marine resources are protected through informed leadership, effective governance and shared responsibility.
A glimpse into Makayla’s first days at IMLI.
A Barbadian Legal Mind, A Global Mission
Makayla’s journey represents an important achievement, not only in her personal and professional development but also for Barbados’ fisheries sector and the wider Caribbean. Her pursuit of advanced studies in International Maritime Law is a testament to the value of investing in Barbadian talent and developing the expertise needed to address challenges that extend far beyond our shores.
For the Barbados Fisheries Division, this is a particularly proud moment. Having witnessed her contributions to fisheries governance, public education and legal research. We celebrate the progress she has made and the ambition that continues to guide her work. Her journey is one that can inspire other young Barbadians to recognise the possibilities within their chosen fields and the impact they can make through knowledge, dedication and service.
As she takes this next step, Makayla is helping to pave the way for greater Barbadian and Caribbean representation in international maritime and environmental law. We congratulate her on this outstanding accomplishment and wish her every success as she carries her expertise, perspective and national pride onto the international stage.